September 2013

27 September 2013

In an attempt to reduce the number of road accidents caused by distractions while driving, the RAC of Western Australia has create an “attention-powered car” that slows down when drivers find themselves drifting off.

Nissan has announced that it will serve as Apple’s exclusive automotive partner for iTunes Radio, spanning across the full lineup of Apple products. The first Nissan vehicles to be outfitted with the new feature will include the redesigned 2014 Rogue, all-new 2014 Versa Note, and all-electric Leaf.

NEW YORK – A Mercedes-Benz USA executive at the Luxury Interactive conference 2013 said that collaborations with independent dealers and the intensive approach that consumers take when considering a vehicle mandates a more diffuse approach to digital efforts.

Caravisio is a concept caravan designed by German motorhome manufacturer Knaus Tabbert that was revealed on August 30. Faced with a declining industry, the firm decided to design a concept that would inspire a future generation of RVs. Though currently not reproducible en masse, Caravisio raises the bar for recreational vehicles both aesthetically and functionally. Most notable is the integration of a central control panel through a system of apps.

Nissan is introducing a smartwatch concept targeted at drivers of their Nismo performance car models that collects data from both driver and car to assist in improving driving skill. The Nismo Watch Concept is the first piece of wearable technology created by an automaker virtually linking the driver and car.

06 September 2013

Just like touchscreens and wearable technology, self-driving taxi could be another realm of science fiction that becomes a part of regular life. Google, who has been experimenting with self-driving hardware installed in existing cars, is reportedly looking into manufacturing its own model.

Buying a car is an involved process and one of the most significant investments people make in their lives. For many the first step would be to go online and browse reviews while conducting research on various models. To entice potential buyers into showrooms, many dealerships are adding 3D customization options to their sites so they can show customers variations that may not be in stock in the physical store. Recently at the annual SIGGRAPH conference in Anaheim, California, visual projection specialist Christie andNVIDIA showcased an interactive design studio that brings vehicles to life using augmented reality to blend computer graphics with physical models together.

MINI Canada and Anomaly created an exhilarating execution for the brand’s ‘Not Normal’ campaign. To show off the vehicle’s go-kart handling, three MINI Cooper S models were redesigned to look like a roller coaster (with the help of production company, Asymetric). The customized MINI Roller coaster was refitted by removing the roof and rear seats, replacing them with roller coaster carts, frames, LEDs, decals, and wind blowers to add to the thrilling experience. Once the coaster was street ready, professional drivers drove throughout the streets of downtown Toronto with screaming riders as if they were barreling down the street at 110 miles per hour. Watch the video below to see the MINI coaster in action.

At the 2013 Frankfurt Auto Show, Ford will unveil a concept version of their popular sports activity vehicle, the S-MAX. Offering a look at what the second generation vehicle might look like, the S-MAX Concept adopts Ford’s current global design language. The front fascia incorporates Ford’s signature shaped grille and tapered headlights you’ll recognize from current Focus and Taurus models. The overall box like shape of the vehicle is sped up with a raked windshield and sculpted body side character line. While well executed, the exterior styling isn’t likely to draw the interest that some of the new technology features inside the vehicle might.